He’s at the center of a swirling storm.
Financier and alleged dungeon master Howard Rubin was embroiled in controversy long before his recent arrest for sex trafficking, with internet conspiracy theorists suggesting that signs of his sordid activities were evident more than a decade ago. Speculation surged after a notable incident where Rubin appeared at a red carpet event sporting a suspicious black eye, leading some to claim this was a symbol of his alleged involvement in a clandestine organization dubbed the “Black Eye Club.”
The so-called “shiner” is purportedly recognized by those versed in conspiracy theories as a mark of initiation into a mysterious and elite group known for its violent rituals, with proponents of this claim asserting that Rubin’s black eye was a clear indication of his ties to these circles.
“Look closely at Rubin’s black eye. That’s a notorious emblem (or badge of honor) within a particular deep state community. The enlightened will know,” commented one user on X, igniting a firestorm of debate.
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The controversy intensified when Rubin, who boasts a fortune in the tens of millions, was arrested at his Connecticut residence by federal agents for allegedly torturing women, including former Playboy models, in a penthouse turned BDSM “sex dungeon” for nearly a decade.
The harrowing tale made headlines when it was featured prominently across The Post, accompanied by an image of “Howie the Horrible” grinning despite his bruised eye.
This image was taken at the annual Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s Collaboration For A Cure Benefit Dinner in 2016, where he appeared with his then-wife Mary Henry. At that time, he was allegedly entrenched in his depraved activities, which included luring women to New York City, drugging them, and subjecting them to hours of abuse alongside his assistant, Jennifer Powers.
While the origins of Rubin’s shiner remain unclear, conspiracy theorists quickly sought connections to the unverified secret society, particularly due to the eye’s placement. The “Black Eye Club” is often mentioned alongside the “Pizzagate” conspiracy and posits that affluent and powerful individuals receive a black eye as part of an initiation ritual. Paul Francis, Barack Obama, and Sharon Stone have all been cited as potential members after being photographed with similar injuries, although no concrete evidence of the club’s existence is available. It’s noteworthy that Rubin’s bruise was on his left eye, consistent with the alleged pattern.
Rubin’s recent arrest marks a significant moment in a string of legal troubles that began in 2017 when he was first accused of violent sexual assaults in civil court by three women from Florida.
Two of these accusers were identified as Playboy Playmates, Mia Lytell and Amy Moore, while a third woman, Stephanie Caldwell, was recognized as a model and dancer.
In the subsequent years, more women have come forward with similar allegations against Rubin, highlighting a disturbing pattern of behavior.
Prosecutors have noted that Rubin—who has pleaded not guilty—admitted to flying women across state lines and paying upwards of $5,000 for sexual encounters. Authorities suspect that “dozens” of other women were involved in these exploitative arrangements, with at least ten individuals alleged to have helped facilitate his heinous activities.
